Preparations for Building the Temple
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a Now 1Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, 2for Hiram always loved David.
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And Solomon sent word to Hiram,
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3"You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God 4because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
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5But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune.
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And so I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, 6as the LORD said to David my father, 'Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.'
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Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. And my servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants such wages as you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."
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As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the LORD this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people."
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And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, "I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber.
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My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes 7by providing food for my household."
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So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired,
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while Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 corsb of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000c cors of beaten oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.
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And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, 8as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
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And he sent them to Lebanon, 10,000 a month in shifts. They would be a month in Lebanon and two months at home. 10Adoniram was in charge of the draft.
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besides Solomon's 3,300 12chief officers who were over the work, 13who had charge of the people who carried on the work.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)